Staff at hardware store B&Q have been urged to brush up on their intimate knowledge of “mummy porn” novel Fifty Shades of Grey and prepare for a heightened demand for cable ties, tape and rope as the BDSM film adaption hits the big screen.

A leaked memo to all
20,887 staff at 359 stores told shop workers to prepare for
“sensitive” customer questions about products that could
be used to replicate scenes from the movie.

The memo, titled “Staff Briefing – Preparation for Fifty
Shades of Grey Customer Queries,” says copies of the novel
will be available for staff to borrow so they can become experts
on the fetish-filled encounters of the lead characters.

“Following the film release of Fifty Shades of Grey, B&Q
employees may encounter increased customer product queries
relating to rope, cable ties and masking or duct tape,” the
memo reads.

“Store Managers should anticipate the need for extra stock
and store staff should read the following brief to prepare them
to handle potentially sensitive customer questions.”

Workers are told to deal with any queries customers might have
related to the saucy bedroom scenes in a “police, helpful and
respectful manner.”

The adaption of the bestselling novel, which has been sold in
over 50 countries, will be released in cinemas on February 14,
Valentine’s Day.

The film follows the relationship of Anastasia (Ana) Steele and
billionaire Christian Grey, who introduces Ana to his world of
sexual role play, domination and bondage – characteristics rarely
attributed to the average DIY enthusiast shopping at B&Q.

The film features a scene in a hardware store, where Grey
purchases rope, cable ties and tape. The memo says: “We stock
many of the products featured in this notable scene and then used
later in the film.”

It appears the British public are far more interest in
alternative uses for duct tape than it might seem. When the book
was released in 2012, B&Q experienced a spike in demand for
products associated with restraint as shoppers tried to create
their own Fifty Shades encounters.

“Understanding the storyline and how some products that
B&Q stock feature in the film will better prepare staff for
incoming queries,” the memo adds.

“Queries may be unusual and sensitive in nature but staff are
reminded of B&Q's commitment to assist customers in a polite,
helpful and respectful manner. A level of discretion is also
advised.”

A B&Q spokesperson said: “B&Q remains committed to
serving our customers in all their DIY needs and we strive to
prepare our staff for any enquiry. Customer satisfaction is
always our number one priority.”